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WZZM 13 ONLINE
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WZZM) The YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids is kicking off a new program to help with the fight against obesity.
It's a community-wide initiative that will make healthy living easier.
Today, the YMCA is introducing a new 3-year program with the goal of providing free healthy living options to members of the central Grand Rapids community.
It is doing so in the form of Healthy Living Hubs that will be placed in specific locations in the heart of the city.
"We'll be developing community gardens starting with cooking classes. We'll be providing access to fruits and vegetables via our Veggie Mobile towards the end of the summer, physical activity programs for all ages, and nutrition education classes as well," says Nicole Hansen, Healthy Living Operations Director at the YMCA.
Hansen says the YMCA saw the need in the community for more access to healthy living options and this is their way of reaching out to the community.
The hubs will be placed around the city. You can find them at New Hope Baptist Church, Baxter Community Church, Roosevelt Park Ministries, and South End Community Outreach Center.
The program is being made possible by a $1.4 million grant given to the YMCA by the Kellogg Foundation. This is the largest Kellogg Grant the YMCA has ever received.